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A topiary tree of dried flowers makes a unique gift.
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Don Haynie of Buffalo Springs Herb Farm explains how to create a topiary tree--a very special gift that's relatively simple to make. The greater the variety of plants you use, the better texture you get. - Use a container such as a glazed ceramic pot or a clay pot sponged with acrylic paint. Place a block of floral foam on end vertically in the pot, and place small stones around the foam to add weight to the pot.
- Cut the top of the foam to resemble a mansard roof on a house. Put a dried artichoke at the top (you can buy them from craft stores or grow your own). Use plant wire to encircle the bottom of the artichoke, and put it on a pick. If you don't have picks, cut some sticks from the yard. Everything should be wired to a pick or a stick.
- Next, place a pomegranate in the topiary. Cut a hole in the bottom of the pomegranate with a knife, and hot-glue a pick into the hole so that it can be stuck into the floral foam. Lotus and yucca pods also make interesting material. If the pods don't have stems, wire picks to them. Start at the top, and place materials around the base, keeping a triangular or tree-shaped form. Arrange all of the heavier or larger materials first, then fill in empty spaces by introducing colorful dried annuals, selecting a variety of plants.
- Place tundra or reindeer moss in a bag, mist it and let it sit overnight. In the morning the moss will be soft like a sponge. Place pieces of moss throughout the design to add softness, fill in spaces and cover the floral foam.
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